Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Francophone community is a vibrant part of the multicultural mosaic of the Northwest Territories. As we move into the 20th Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, from March 1st to 21st, we have some milestones to mark and events to celebrate.
According to the 2016 census, there were 4,280 French-speaking residents across the Northwest Territories, nearly 10 per cent of the total population. While the majority of the Francophone residents live in Yellowknife, there are also large numbers in Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik. This is why, Mr. Speaker, when the Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services launched in 2012, the focus was on the significant demand in the communities of Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Inuvik.
The strategic plan was developed in partnership with the Federation franco-tenoise to improve the Government of the Northwest Territories' delivery of French-language communications and services. The plan relies on the Francophone Affairs Secretariat, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, and Services TNO, our French-language single-window service centre, to help departments, boards, and agencies ensure that programs and services are delivered appropriately and meet Official Languages Act obligations.
The strategic plan is currently being independently evaluated to determine if the requirements of the Standards for French Communications and Services are being met at targeted points of service, for example, general medical assistance and tax and legal assistance. The overall success and value of the strategic plan will also be evaluated.
Extensive engagements were held with stakeholders from across the Northwest Territories, both within the government and within community and representative groups. The evaluation results will be made public in the coming months. The results will inform the development of the next five-year Strategic Plan on French Language Communications and Services for the years 2018 to 2023.
Mr. Speaker, 2018 marks 10 years since the Government of the Northwest Territories established Services TNO. Services TNO provides information and a variety of government services to members of the public. Since 2008, this agency has received thousands of requests from French-speaking residents looking to receive quick and efficient services. We will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary through the month of March.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, the construction of the addition to Ecole Allain St-Cyr remains on schedule, with full completion by the end of November 2018. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment has worked collaboratively with the Commission scolaire francophone, the territory's Francophone school board, to ensure that the needs of this school's Francophone students are being met. Once completed, the addition will feature one multi-purpose classroom, one instructional classroom, special needs spaces, and a full sized gymnasium with change rooms and a stage for school plays.
Mr. Speaker, over the next three weeks there will be more than 3,000 activities taking place across Canada as part of the Rendez-vous de la Francophonie, including community gatherings, multicultural meetings, ceremonies, shows, and educational activities, a whole series of events celebrating French culture. We in the Northwest Territories will also be celebrating with our rich and thriving Francophone community that only continues to grow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment.
Mr. Speaker, nearly $1 billion of our economy comes from mining and exploration. It is the primary generator of wealth in the Northwest Territories and the reason why our government has made the commitment in its mandate to support this sector.
Mining provides good-paying jobs to nearly 2,000 NWT residents, who spend their paycheques with local businesses and drive opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic diversification. In large part, it is the revenues realized from mining that allows our government to invest in programs and services that are bettering the lives of NWT residents today.
Mr. Speaker, these benefits, which our territory has enjoyed for decades, will not last without revitalizing the mineral exploration in the NWT. To grow and even maintain our economy, we must ensure a cycle of exploration and development so that, as one mine closes, a second and third mine are entering into production.
In only six years, one of our largest mining projects will begin to wind down, and with few new projects on the horizon. We need to restore and enhance the investment climate that existed in our region prior to the downturn in the commodity markets. In January, our government took the opportunity afforded to us by the AME Roundup in Vancouver to advance the message that we need to grow the territorial economy, especially in communities and regions, so more people can have good middle-class jobs and incomes. We showcased to investors what we are calling the NWT Difference.
While many jurisdictions have immense mineral potential, Mr. Speaker, few can boast the holistic, inclusive approach we take to managing and encouraging responsible mineral exploration and development in our territory. The Northwest Territories' diamond mines have provided over 25,000 person-years of employment to residents since 1996. They have spent over $13 billion on goods and services from NWT businesses. More so, mining has created ways to foster local economy, build a skilled workforce, and empower communities. It has enabled a host of NWT residents to gain valuable and transferrable education and experience across a multitude of sectors, sciences, and trades. With the growth of our world-class diamond mines has come an explosion in local businesses providing the expertise and skills to service them.
Indigenous governments have invested in and grown a multitude of NWT-based companies, some of which have now outgrown their territorial beginnings and are expanding to service projects around the circumpolar Arctic and into Alberta. Mining companies can be proud of the legacies they are contributing to when they invest in our territory. That is the NWT difference that can set us apart for investors. It is one that we were able to demonstrate in the united front provided by our government, Members of this Legislative Assembly, and our Indigenous partners at the AME Roundup.
Mr. Speaker, this weekend we will build on our work in Vancouver at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada trade show in Toronto. Like the AME Roundup, it is a key event for the mining industry, and one at which prospective developers, explorers, and especially investors and the financial sector will gather to foster new relationships, build on existing ones, and seek out new projects and partnerships.
Once again, the Premier and I will have a full slate of meetings and networking opportunities to promote and talk about our territory's vast mineral potential and the NWT Difference. Mr. Speaker, we cannot ignore the need for exploration and development in our territory. Our government's role is to foster a strong economy. That means aggressively and strategically marketing our territory's assets in a crowded global industry. We need to encourage new exploration to assure ourselves of a strong economic future. We need to make sure the NWT is front and center to responsible investors, developers, and explorers.
We need to demonstrate to industry that, when responsible development companies come to our territory, they have the confidence, knowing we are interested in moving world class projects forward at all levels. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the agreement on the prevention of unregulated fishing in the high season in the central Arctic Ocean. Mr. Speaker, the High Seas Fisheries Agreement aims to prevent unregulated, unreported commercial fisheries in the central Arctic for an initial period of 16 years, followed by five-year renewals thereafter.
Mr. Speaker, the motivation for this agreement emerges largely from the gradual increase in access to the Arctic regions due to reduced ice coverage, and shared interest in Arctic states protecting fragile ecosystems. This agreement is particularly ground-breaking due to its collaborative nature. The agreement includes five Arctic states, in addition to China, Japan, the European Union, and South Korea. Most importantly, however, Inuit from three countries were represented at the table.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important agreement for Canada and its Indigenous peoples as an unprecedented international agreement that not only considered traditional knowledge, but included Indigenous groups right at the negotiating table. Mr. Speaker, this agreement shows progress in the recognition of Indigenous rights and the role that Indigenous peoples have in the drive to self-determination at the international level.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is a leading jurisdiction of Indigenous rights in Canada. Kudos to the Premier, and I encourage the GNWT to continue working with Indigenous governments. For instance, the GNWT included Indigenous governments at the devolution agreement, and committed to sharing royalty revenues from development projects, et cetera.
Mr. Speaker, however, there is always room for improvement, and I would like to see the GNWT give more authority and control to Indigenous groups in the co-management of all matters that affect their traditions and cultural well-being. For example, I would like to see more involvement in the co-management of caribou, given their migratory nature, and their base cultural importance to many of our peoples.
Mr. Speaker, the High Seas Fisheries Agreement is one amazing example worldwide, and has included Inuit in its decision-making core. Its development is a testament to collaboration and inclusion and a lesson to be learned, and a meaningful participation of Indigenous groups as the current federal budget wants to focus on co-creation with Indigenous leaders and their people in their drive to self-determination. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Kam Lake.
The North Slave Metis Alliance represents Indigenous rights-bearing Metis people of the Northwest Territories who primarily exercise their Indigenous rights north and east of Great Slave Lake. The NSMA's mandate includes the assertion, protection, and implementation of the Aboriginal rights of the North Slave Metis people, and the exercise of Metis responsibility to protect the environment and promote and enhance economic, social, and cultural development. Mr. Speaker, the NSMA is located in my riding of Kam Lake, and today I rise to address the ongoing concerns they have been brought to my attention.
In Tom Isaac's report, A Path to Reconciliation, released in March of 2017, recommendation number 5 states that Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories, and I quote: "Reconsider their positions on section 2.5.1(b) of the NWT Metis Nation Agreement-in-Principle, and in particular, the use of the words 'eligible to be' set out in the last clause therein, so not to have any final agreement with the Northwest Territories Metis Nation automatically affect any Aboriginal and Treaty rights of the North Slave Metis Alliance and its members."
This recommendation is almost identical to a Federal Court judgment from October 2017 that rules that the NSMA's submission were reasonable and should have been reviewed once submitted.
It is disappointing to know that the government of the Northwest Territories and the federal government have not attempted to respect this ruling, nor the ruling of Mr. Isaac's report when it was released in March. It is time for both governments to clearly recognize that the North Slave Metis Alliance does not want to be in the same claim as the NWT Metis Nation and instead wants to assert and be given respect for their individual Indigenous identity as per their constitutional rights under section 35.
Mr. Speaker, the Powley test lays out the criteria to not only define what might constitute a Metis right, but who is entitled to those rights. Every member of the NSMA meets the Powley test, and they have a history in this territory for being Metis for over a century, thereby establishing a unique culture and identity, the same as any other First Nations group.
There is a strong argument that the NSMA be given the same consideration and accommodation. I cannot understand why this government has not undertaken a strength-of-claim assessment for the NSMA. They produced membership lists for over 290 members to be vetted by the Crown and its governments, where the Metis nation has neither been asked or required to do so. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier on why we are still asking questions about strength of claim instead of moving on with reconciliation for the NSMA. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past fall I ran into a very unique situation. A youth was sent out to a treatment facility where there was an incident. After a number of phone calls between me and the family, we brought the situation up to the Minister and the department for their help. To the department's credit, there was quick action taken and they were on top of it. Unfortunately, the process that is usually used to share what happened did not work this time. There seems to be a huge void when it comes to youth in care. It seems that nobody could sign the consent form, leaving a lot of questions left unanswered and a lot of people left in the dark.
Mr. Speaker, I was informed that the Child and Family Service Act set out many legal obligations regarding the care and well-being of the children. The act also sets out, under various circumstances, who is the legal guardian of each child. It seems that, depending on the situation, they will decide who can or cannot be the legal guardian, even if the person has assigned that right previously. I can tell you that there were a lot of frustrated people and a lot of tears dealing with this situation.
Later on, another situation happened with the same individual, and again we were relying on the information from the individual instead of the normal communication system in place. There was a lot of running around to get information and share what we had. I have to give credit to the department for making sure the person was looked after and safe. They reached out to the family and explained everything they could without breaching the individual's confidentiality.
The sad note, though, through this is the youth did not feel their voice was heard, and this is what I am trying to do here today. I want to assure that person that we have heard what is going on and we are fighting for that person's voice. Please believe us, your voice is very important for all the parties involved, and I encourage the youth to continue to speak up. Personally, I would like to thank the staff who dealt with both situations. They did a great job in speaking with the youth, reaching out to the family and me as we moved forward. Mr. Speaker, later today I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Thank you.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, many residents, including youth, want to maintain their chosen lifestyle in their home communities. One of our biggest challenges as a territory is to support a small population in many communities across a vast area. How do we provide employment and create prosperity? Our small communities face high unemployment. There are some government jobs and often not too much else. Government programs can help, but people want independence. The real issue is the lack of jobs.
Our mandate directs us to diversify the economy, and good work is happening around new strategies in areas like agriculture, tourism, knowledge, innovation, and creative arts. Today's youth will benefit from this diversification in just a few years, but we need to think outside the box to provide more opportunity. Youth need support, training, and encouragement to move into trades and life skills, entrepreneurship and business, academia, and even the sciences.
No doubt we live in an interesting time. A few years ago, we talked about the information age. Now it is becoming known as the age of acceleration. When I was in school, I could spend days, even weeks, researching a certain subject. Today the world's knowledge is at our fingertips and can be searched in seconds.
Mr. Speaker, a few days ago in my Member's statement I imagined a young woman who thinks up an app to teach her traditional language, and I suggested that she might earn an income from that idea. The challenge is: how does she get from here to there? She has talent, creativity, and skill. She has all the information in the world on her smartphone, but how does she gather, select, and apply that knowledge to build something, Mr. Speaker? This young woman might know how to write code and create an app, but does she know how to write a business plan to share her idea with the world?
Mr. Speaker, we are opening new areas in our economy. For that to pay off, we must find ways to support our young people. We need to help them overcome barriers that are holding them back. We need to facilitate networking and partnerships to build on knowledge and new technologies. That young woman's concept needs our support to grow into a full-fledged creation. Mr. Speaker, I started out talking about creating jobs in the small communities. I am ending with support for young people. Why? Because supporting young people and their creative ideas will help our communities develop and prosper. Later, I will have questions for the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
Merci, Monsieur le President. With the approach of spring, another annual tradition is upon us: Arctic Energy Alliance has run out of money to fund popular and progressive programs that help our residents reduce their energy costs and cut greenhouse gas production.
According to a message posted to the alliance website on January 24th, the Energy Efficiency Incentive Program has been fully subscribed for the 2017-2018 fiscal year and rebates are no longer available. The notice tells people that, if they have purchased an eligible product, they can still go onto a waiting list, but that waiting list is not carried forward into the new fiscal year. Also this year, the alliance is fully subscribed across its programs, so no internal reallocations are possible. I have had at least three Yellowknife residents contact me regarding the lack of alliance funding for 2017-2018, some after they had already made investments in energy conservation, only to discover that no funding was available, partly due to poor communications.
Regular MLAs in this Assembly have consistently pleaded with Cabinet to increase alliance funding but to no avail. The draft energy strategy makes no promises about increased alliance funding other than a vague commitment to enhance and review alliance programs. It is not clear whether the GNWT is seeking any additional federal funding to increase the alliance's budget and programs. We cannot wait for federal dollars to rain from heaven. We need to get ready now. The Minister tells me that a comprehensive review of alliance programs is now in its final stages and recommendations are expected for improvements to enhance its effectiveness. One key need is to align the design and delivery of improved programming with the priorities and actions of the new energy strategy, especially if it is improved, as I recommended earlier this week in the House. Before we leave this fiscal year, though, I wonder whether there may still be an opportunity to assist with those who have been placed on the waiting list. As we get close to the end of the fiscal year, are there any surplus funds within the Department of Infrastructure that can be re-profiled into the alliance? Also in the expectation of increased federal funding, I would also like to see the current waiting list of application approvals carried over into and funded with 2018-2019 funds. I will have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure on improving funding to the Arctic Energy Alliance later today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the legalization of cannabis is now just a few months away. The question is: are we ready? My fear is that we will not be, and it is young people who are most at risk. There was a high degree of interest on the public engagement on cannabis legalization last summer and fall, with one in 10 households responding to the GNWT's online survey. There was near-unanimous support for government spending on public awareness and education focused on youth that would provide evidence-based education on the risks related to cannabis use.
Mr. Speaker, those who responded to the survey want to see a full-court press with ads in mass media, social media, posters, pamphlets, and mandatory education in schools. Many people want teachers to take a leading role, and no doubt they will, but, Mr. Speaker, there is no substitute for the conversations parents and caregivers can have with their own children and youth. They have a unique position of authority and trust to help teens understand the risks.
I recently reviewed an excellent resource to use as a starting point for these conversations. It is called the Cannabis Talk Kit, and it is produced by Drug Free Kids Canada. I liked it because it provides signs to watch for that may indicate your teen is using and information about the effects of long-term use. It provides sample conversations about drug use and anticipated responses. It anticipates the way in which teens will minimize their use. There are no scare tactics here. This guide is based on being positive, active listening, and asking open-ended questions. It also offers guidance on what to say when your teen says, "You did it at my age," or they know that you still do.
These conversations are vital to help our teens understand the risks of cannabis, which they may underestimate. Mr. Speaker, this guide is focused on harm reduction, and that's an approach I support. I think demanding abstinence from teens is tough, and it will be even tougher when cannabis is legal and they are old enough to buy it for themselves. A common sense approach that focuses on facts is likely to be better received and more effective. Of course, the same could be said for alcohol and tobacco use, as well.
Mr. Speaker, the government didn't include money for public awareness about cannabis use in the budget. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi, colleagues. Barring an unforeseen hitch, cannabis will become legal during the next fiscal year. Northerners have clearly said they want a robust public education plan. I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services about what that is going to look like. Mahsi.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Housing is a much-needed and challenging program for all communities in the Northwest Territories. Families need stable homes, the foundation of an environment, and social community growth. Mr. Speaker, the Sahtu, Dene, and Metis land claim under the permitted activities chapter disallows for options to these very principles on capitalizing for a joint housing initiative. Through conditions of forced growth and conditional spending, this is a prior step to addressing the core need for housing demand in four of the five Sahtu communities.
Mr. Speaker, there are many housing initiatives under both levels of government. However, if this information is not shared, it only becomes a lost opportunity and our communities are back at the starting gates of poverty.
Mr. Speaker, to overcome these community challenges with solutions for leadership considerations, I strongly feel a Regional Round Table on Voices for Housing, Step Two, must happen. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, given the developed plans and strategies, I will later have questions to the Minister of Housing on action planning. Mahsi.
Masi. Member's statements. Member for Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to speak about the passing of one of my constituents, Hank Mark Lafferty of Ndilo. He was commonly known as "Qui." [English translation not provided.] And grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Qui was raised in Ndilo and was the fifth in a family of eight growing up. He enjoyed playing hockey and loved going out in the land with his dad who taught him how to hunt, trap, run dogs in his youth. Throughout his life, Qui loved to play the guitar, sing, and even wrote his own songs. Qui also had a good sense of humour and loved to joke around and poke fun at people around him. Qui was a working man. He liked to keep busy, so it's no surprise that he had many a number of jobs in his life, including worked as a diamond driller, a wood cutter, a wood salesman, and a garbage truck driver, although his favourite work and pastime was being on the land with elders, family, and friends. He always tried to pass his knowledge on to a newer generation in order for them to carry traditions he learned in his life.
As a man who was raised with traditional values and beliefs, Qui was also very spiritual. He was a sun dancer and a pipe carrier. I'd like to share one short story from Qui's family that was told to me. In his youth at age 13, upon becoming a hunter, his father told him that, to truly become a good hunter, he needed to go in the bush overnight for at least one night by himself, so he did that. He took off in his snow mobile and was crossing a lake and the machine went through the ice. Qui was not deterred. He managed to pull himself and the snow mobile out of the water and follow through with his coming of age quest. He came home the next day unharmed.
Qui was a strong man, who will be dearly missed. He always protected the family he liked, the people he liked. I personally knew him for many years. Hank Mark Lafferty was a cousin of mine. His mother and my grandmother are first cousins. In addition, Qui is a first cousin to our honourable Speaker, Jackson Lafferty. I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to Qui Lafferty, friends, and the people at Ndilo. Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize the members of the family of the eulogy that I just did. With us in the House is mother, Vitaline King-Beaulieu Lafferty; son, Fenton Lafferty; son, Justin Lafferty; daughter, Alexandra Lafferty, who was named after her grandfather; her sisters, Francis Riggs, Margaret-Ann Migwi; sister, Maryann Lafferty; and cousin Marilyn Erasmus; and my CA, Pascal Erasmus; and I see Carl Yakeleya in the House, too. I'd like to recognize them. Thank you.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Kam Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. Bill Enge, president of the North Slave Metis Alliance, Mr. Mark Whitford, vice-president of the North Slave Metis Alliance, Mr. Alan Harman, secretary-treasurer of the North Slave Metis Alliance, and Mr. Arnold Enge, director with the North Slave Metis Alliance. Thank you very much for being here today.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Sahtu.
Thank you. I'd like to recognize Carl Lafferty, who is Carl Yakeleya. Sorry, I should know better. Carl and I went to residential school in Inuvik there back in olden days. Now Carl is an excellent proposal writer and using his schooling talent as a student engineering and helping out the community development progress. Mahsi.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize the North Slave Metis Alliance, the board of directors, Mr. Bill Enge, personal friend, Mark Whitford, Arnold Enge, and Alan Harman. They were strong supporters through my campaign and they are still strong supporters to this day. I appreciate all you've done to support me. I wouldn't be here without you.
I also want to recognize some personal and family friends who are in the audience; Ms. Francis Lafferty, I apologize if you have a different last name, I've always known you as Francis Lafferty; Cindy Jeske, I saw, and Marilyn Erasmus; and I can't see behind me. I apologize if there are other members in the audience who I cannot see who I know as family friends. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my constituent Arnold Enge and thank him for all the work he does on behalf of the North Slave Metis. Thank you.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Yellowknife North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, want to recognize and welcome the members here from the North Slave Metis Alliance, but also recognize one of my life-long friends, Arnold Enge. Welcome and thank you for being here.
Masi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Thebacha.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank two of our Pages this week, Jed Mitchell and Joel Rhymer from PWK School in Fort Smith, and recognize Clarence Rhymer, their chaperone who is in the gallery.
Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mr. Speaker, Northerners have clearly stated that they want government to take an informed and active role on cannabis awareness, particularly for youth. My question is: what efforts is the Minister making to ensure various kinds of cannabis education materials are ready to go when legalization happens? Thank you.
Masi. Minister of Health and Social Services.
